‘Marathon man’ Mick is challenging limits and pushing his motorised wheelchair to the extreme

From intense training routines to challenging race restrictions, 'Marathon Man' Mick is pushing the limits of his motorised wheelchair and advocating for inclusive racing.

While you might think travelling for 42.1 kilometres in a motorised wheelchair sounds like an easy thing to accomplish, the reality is that Mick has to train for marathons just like everyone else.

He has exercise physiology appointments, hydrotherapy, massages, and even trains with his support workers so that they can help him achieve his goals.

An added challenge you mightn't expect for wheelchair users, Mick explains, is the concentration power needed to drive continually for 5 hours and also weave through crowds of people. It takes a toll on you mentally, physically and also challenges your wheelchair's endurance.

"Knowing your chair's capabilities is essential and will help you greatly," Mick says matter-of-factly.

"I love challenging myself to do something that everyone else can choose to do."

For years, competing in marathons, half marathons and fun runs has brought Mick "pure enjoyment". Pushing himself, and his wheelchair to the limit. And thankfully, he's never forgotten to charge his wheelchair the night before a big race. (He actually uses two for a full marathon.)

Recently, Mick and his support worker Ryan competed in the Sydney Half Marathon. They had previously participated in the Sutherland to Surf and City to Surf which were great practice as the Sydney Half was their longest run yet.

"In the lead-up, we trained solo and together. The way we prepared was through going for long runs, navigating new routes and problem solving issues that arose as a team."

During the race, Mick and Ryan worked like one smooth, harmonious unit.

"We have worked out a good system," Mick explains. "When either of us see a gap in the crowds during the race, we go for it and follow their lead. A lot of our communication is intuitive as we have gotten to know each other well enough to pick up queues."

"I also play music from a speaker attached to my chair during the race. Most people hear us coming, otherwise Ryan will ask people to make space for me."

According to Mick, the atmosphere is what makes marathons so great. It's "going to the sides and getting high fives from the crowds of supporters along the way, this gives me such a morale boost when the run gets challenging and it gives me a much needed high."

While the worst part about a marathon is: the aftermath and the recovery - which involves lots of rest, sore muscles and massages.

So, essentially, Mick is just like other runners who are knackered after a marathon, hating their life, but still hungry to run their next race the following weekend.

This year, Mick experienced a setback due to the rules governing Sydney Marathon changing to now exclude people from using their motorised wheelchairs during the marathons.

He's created a petition against the changes and says his aim is to "challenge the rule makers to change to be more inclusive and allow a wider range of population to compete in these monumental milestones."

"Marathons should be for everyone, even those who require health equipment such as a motorised wheelchair."

Reflecting on the Sydney Half, Mick says that he always welcomes an opportunity to challenge himself in ways that he enjoys.

"I love competing in an event that wasn't designed for me and exceeding the expectations of myself and others. Inspiring both people with disabilities and able bodied people to do something big and challenge themselves to achieve their goals."

And in case you're wondering what Mick's post half-marathon meal was? It was pancakes.

"My personal favourite, and well earnt!"

If you would like to sign Mick's petition to change the Sydney Marathon rules, you can visit his petition page.